Mushrooms are categorized as a functional food that also doubles up as a superfood. They contain hundreds of nutrients that have extensive health benefits. To this end, researchers theorize that mushrooms can help with more than 200 conditions.

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Mushrooms are becoming more and more popular. There are hundreds of mushroom species. Many of these species are edible and delicious, but some are toxic and can cause severe food poisoning that can result in death. As such, it is important to know which mushrooms are safe for you – and, more importantly, how to use them.

Here is an overview of seven popular types of edible mushroom, including many that you can get in a mushroom growkit.

1.      Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms belong to the white button mushroom family. They come in three varieties: cremini, white button, and Portobello. The main difference between these three mushrooms is their age, which determines their color, texture, flavor, and other qualities.

Cremini mushrooms are popular worldwide because of their delicious taste and ease of preparation. They contain a wide range of nutrients, including protein, calories, fiber, sugars, fat, and carbohydrates. They can be prepared by roasting, panfrying, sautéing, stir-frying, and adding to soups and stews. It is worth noting that the taste and texture can vary depending on the preparation method and the mushroom’s age.

2.      White Button Mushrooms

White button mushrooms make up 90% of edible mushrooms in the U.S. Their popularity can be credited to the fact that they are tasty and easy to prepare with other foods, including pizza.

White button mushrooms are very tasty despite their plain-white appearance. They also have a unique characteristic of absorbing other foods’ flavors while maintaining their texture. This makes them ideal for cooking with other dishes. To this end, they are popular for use as pizza toppings. They can also be prepared by panfrying, sautéing, roasting, stir-frying, and adding to stews and soups.

White button mushrooms are also highly nutritious. One serving of these tasty mushrooms contains as much as 3.1 grams of protein and one gram of fiber and as little as 0.3 grams of fat.

3.      Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms mostly grow on trees and have a striking appearance. And while they are not as delicious as many other mushroom types, they are highly nutritious.

Oyster mushrooms have a mild flavor. To this end, they are mostly recommendable for use with stir-fries. However, they can also be prepared in other ways and with other dishes, including soups and stews, and panfrying or sautéing.

What oyster mushrooms lack in flavor they make up for in their higher-than-average nutrient content. To this end, one serving of these mushrooms contains as much as six grams of carbohydrates, two grams of fiber, and three grams of protein.

4.      King Oyster Mushrooms

King oyster mushrooms are tastier and consequently more popular than the oyster variation. They are also highly nutritious – albeit slightly less nutritious than oyster mushrooms.

King oyster mushrooms have a rich and deep flavor however they are prepared. They have a spongy and chewy texture that resembles delicate seafood, such as squids. They are also easy to prepare, including by roasting them bare in the oven. Other preparation methods include grilling, sautéing, panfrying, stir-frying, and adding to soups and stews.

King oyster mushrooms are also nutritious. One serving of these mushrooms contains as much as one gram of fiber, five grams of carbohydrates, and three grams of protein.

5.      Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms belong to the white button family of mushrooms. They are the oldest and most mature variation of the three mushrooms. This means that they are also bigger and pack a deeper and more tasteful flavor. They are also easy to prepare, and they offer more means of preparation compared to most other edible mushrooms.

Portobello mushrooms are so easy to prepare that they can be used to make burgers and pizzas. They can also be stuffed with cheese and other ingredients and baked. Other preparation methods include grilling, roasting, panfrying, stir-frying, sautéing, and adding to soups and stews.

Portobello mushrooms are also nutritious. To this end, one serving contains about two grams of protein, one gram of fiber, and almost four grams of carbohydrates.

6.      Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms enjoy global popularity, and they are ranked third in commercial cultivation. Their popularity is mostly credited to their incredible tastes. They pack a deep flavor that tastes meaty and a chewy texture to go with it. They are also easy to prepare, including by sautéing, panfrying, stir-frying, and adding to soups and stews. They are also large enough to stuff with ingredients and bake.

More notably, shiitake mushrooms pack a wide range of nutrients that are associated with numerous health benefits – they are so beneficial that their value is somewhat exaggerated. Their greatest health benefit is relieving inflammation. They are also theorized to help prevent a range of chronic diseases.

Shiitake mushrooms are especially rich in carbohydrates, as one serving contains as much as six grams of the nutrient. Other nutrients available in these mushrooms per serving include 2.5 grams of protein and fiber.

7.      Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushrooms are just as outstanding as their name. They are rarer than most other mushrooms and have an odd appearance about them. They are also very flavorful and are associated with a range of nutritional and health benefits.

Lion’s mane mushrooms are characteristically meaty and juicy. However, they have limited preparation methods, including roasting, pan frying, and sautéing.

These mushrooms are also associated with a wide range of health benefits. To this end, they have a robust health and supplement industry built around them. One serving of these mushrooms contains about three grams of carbohydrates and two grams of protein.

Final Thoughts

Mushrooms are not as popular as they should be, considering their numerous health and nutritional benefits. There are hundreds of edible mushrooms, and this list contains some of the most flavorful and nutritious species. These mushrooms will taste good going down, and your body will be healthier and fitter the more you eat them.   

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